What Is a Wheat Berry?

Despite their name, wheat berries are not a type of fruit or produce. Wheat berries are whole wheat kernels that look similar to rice in shape and size. The grains are full of nutrients and have a chewy texture and nut-like flavor. The wheat berries are often ground to create flour, but they are also eaten whole. To prepare wheat berries, cook them in a pot of boiling water and serve them cold on top of a salad or hot as a side dish to your favorite meal.

Background

Wheat berries are unprocessed wheat kernels. After removing the inedible and protective hull, the wheat berry is what remains behind. The wheat berry consists of the bran, the outermost layer and the germ layer, which lies under the bran. All wheat products are made from wheat berries, according to Registered Dietitian Dr. Leslie Beck. The berries are consumed whole, separated or cracked. Whole wheat berries are cooked to soften them before they are eaten.

Nutrients

Wheat berries are high in fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates and other nutrients. Since wheat berries have a chewy texture, they take longer to consume. The complex carbohydrates are digested slower due to the high fiber content. Wheat berries contain potassium, selenium, niacin and folate. The grain is low in calories, sodium and fat. Wheat berries do not contain cholesterol.

Types

Beck states that there are many types of wheat berries, but hard red spring, hard white and soft white three common types. Hard red spring wheat berries are also available as hard red winter and they appear brown in color. This type of wheat berry usually is used to create flours, breads and a variety of baked goods. The hard white variety appears lighter in color and contains a hard kernel used for bread and brewing beverages. Soft white kernels are similar to hard white wheat berries but the kernels are softer and are often transformed into pastry flours.

Benefits

The wheat berry bran and germ have many health benefits. According to Life Sciences and Medicine Research, wheat bran helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and gallbladder disease. It can also aid in digestion to combat constipation. Life Sciences and Medicine Research also states that the wheat germ contains oils that contain antioxidant properties, which can repair skin cells and aid in relieving dermatitis. The wheat berries have many other benefits such as treating scars, treating acne and relieving chest pain.